What the Heck Do I Mean by "Art Follows People"?

If you've been around for any length of time here at Jess Mangano Studio, you've probably seen the phrase "art follows people" floating around.

While I LOVE using that phrase, the meaning can feel a bit murky - so to clear things up, THIS is what I mean by it...

1. I mean it literally!

People should always come before art. That’s it. That means that when your timeline is running behind during your wedding, and the groomsmen can't figure out their boutonnieres, and your mom is asking a billion questions, and you’re about to start panicking....

Instead of pushing for more portraits, I’m asking your bridesmaids to sit with you for five minutes while I hold off the hounds. I'm creating space, however small, for you to talk, pray, or listen to your favorite song while I keep all the questions and logistics at bay so you can have a moment of peace to refocus on what TRULY matters.

It means when your kid is struggling during family portraits I’m not pushing them for the "perfect" frame. My goal isn't to force them into "happily" smiling and sitting still, we’re either giving them a minute and taking portraits of other family members, or finding something fun to help them regulate their little nervous system!

I’m not worried about creating beautiful artwork from whatever unfolds during your time with me.

A good photographer can artfully capture the truth of each and every beautiful emotions experienced during your portrait session and our wedding. I’m not about to throw people in front of a train to get some "ideal" picture I have living in my head.

Because the ideal picture is you and your loved ones AS YOU ARE.

That falls directly into the next reason why I love this phrase…

2. GOOD art naturally flows from authentic people.

Many photographers will get the same poses of you and your family over and over and OVER. Everyone smiling at the camera, holding hands, posed in a set place.

There’s nothing wrong with this, it’s just not my personal style, because I don’t believe that creates deeply beautiful and soulful artwork that moves you and brings you back to that specific season when you're looking at it on your hallway wall year later.

Because it's not a reflection of you and your loved ones.

Why would you want to invest in artwork for you, your loved ones, and all the family that follows if it's not a sincere and beautiful reflection of your ACTUAL life?

Truly GOOD art is often guided, but it still flows from the truth of your experience. It flows from the weird quirks that show up in your family when they all get together, it flows from that quiet, seemingly unobserved moment where you’re about to walk down the aisle and the nerves and excitement all hit you at once as you sit, alone and waiting in a corner. It's unforced, it's "come as you are," it's intentional but open to whatever comes.

Good art isn’t canned.

It's truthful and loving, created with a kind hand by a tender observer.

3. All human beings are INHERENTLY, UNAVOIDABLY art.

I believe human beings themselves are an immovably precious artwork. Regardless of how they are perceived, regardless of what they do with that inherent value, regardless of whether they're "worthy" of it. Regardless of background, creed, race, income - you get it. NOTHING removes the inherent value of each of us as a human being.

That means that when you come to me, my goal is to ensure I'm creating a safe, loving space for you NO MATTER who you are. I'm giving you the same level of kindness and attention whatever level you book me for - whether that's a full wedding weekend, or a mini session. <3

4. We create art wherever we go.

There’s a series of quotes that portray how I feel about this perfectly, so I won't bother adding much more to them...

“I feel that there’s nothing more truly artistic than to love with all one’s heart.” Van Gogh

“Art must be an expression of love or it is nothing.” Marc Chagall

"Even when we cannot paint or write, love is available to us a creative resource to share with others". Makato Fujimura

"A bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers." Japanese proverb.

I will forever and always adore portraiture and its ability to celebrate our relationships. It's a stunning celebration of all we hold dear - a beautiful method of honoring all the tears, laughter, hard conversations, time, and preciousness we pour into the people we cherish, pinning down that moment in time so we and the generations to follow can enjoy and know it forever. Portrait photography is amazing

However, it will never be the highest form of art.

Love is.

And we can create that wherever we go.